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Tom Thumb

Name: Tom Thumb
Director: Michel Boisrond
Released: 1972
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

1972

Director

Michel Boisrond

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Michel Boisrond's adaptation of 'Le Petit Poucet' is a classic fairy-tale narrative that relies on established clichés. The film maintains traditional gender and social roles through the damsel in distress and clever underdog clichés. The production lacks diverse perspectives, presenting a homogeneous view typical of early 1970s European folklore. Physical differences are used primarily as plot devices rather than meaningful representations of disability. Ultimately, the film is a straightforward moral fable. It excels in its genre but offers limited diversity or disruption of historical social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tom Thumb have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film follows a traditional structure that assumes everyone is straight and cisgender. There is no indication of same-sex relationships or intimacy.

How does Tom Thumb portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles remain traditional, with Tom Thumb playing a leading role while the princess has a passive part. The power dynamics support conventional hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tom Thumb?

Limited

The setting and casting reflect a homogeneous Western demographic. It adheres to the historical norms of its cultural origin.

How does Tom Thumb represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story uses a traditional moral framework focused on family and poverty. It presents a classic folklore perspective without critiquing Western social institutions.

Does Tom Thumb include disability representation?

Limited

Tom Thumb's small size serves as a plot device highlighting his cleverness. This portrayal emphasizes survival traits over a nuanced understanding of living with a disability.

Present on Screen

The protagonist showcases significant intellect and leadership through his cleverness.
The film provides a clear, classic moral framework through its fairy-tale structure.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on passive female clichés and traditional gender hierarchies.
The film lacks racial and cultural diversity, reflecting a homogeneous demographic.
Physical differences are used as plot devices rather than nuanced disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Classic fairy-tale story about Tom Thumb against Giant. Parents are poor and want to leave Tom Thumb in forest. But Tom Thumb is clever and marks his way by stones. Second time he is unsuccessful - he has only bread-crumbs and birds eat them. Tom Thumb finds a Giant and a beautiful princess in his entrapment, and is determined to free the princess.

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